What is an appendicitis test?
Healthcare providers use a combination of tests to confirm whether you have appendicitis, an infection or inflammation of the appendix. The purpose of appendicitis tests is to provide a prompt diagnosis for appendicitis, so you receive the care you need.
What types of appendicitis tests are there?
Your healthcare provider may perform or order these appendicitis tests:
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- Physical exam checks for pain in the lower right side of your abdomen where your appendix is typically located.
- Blood and urine tests identify an infection or inflammation and rule out other conditions that can mimic an appendicitis presentation, like a urinary tract infection.
- CT scan images of your abdomen are the most accurate way to diagnose appendicitis. If you’re of childbearing age, you’ll have a pregnancy test before the CT scan to avoid unnecessary radiation if possible. A pregnancy test and an ultrasound can rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which can also be the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain similar to that of appendicitis.
- Ultrasound creates pictures of the abdominal contents using sound waves instead of radiation. It’s less accurate than a CT scan for diagnosing appendicitis but healthcare providers use abdominal ultrasound instead of CT to diagnose appendicitis in infants, children, young adults and pregnant people.
What is appendicitis?
The appendix is a 2- to 4-inch, tube-shaped, organ that is attached to the large intestine (colon) and is located on the lower aspect of the abdominal cavity. Appendicitis is when the appendix becomes infected or inflamed. If you have appendicitis, you’ll most likely have an appendectomy, or surgery to remove your appendix. You can live a long, healthy life without your appendix.
What are the early warning signs of appendicitis?
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The first sign is typically a dull pain around your belly button. That pain then travels down to the lower right side of your abdomen and becomes more intense and sharp.
Pain might also:
- Be constant.
- Come on suddenly.
- Get worse when coughing.
- Start out as a dull ache that doesn’t get better after taking a pain reliever.
Additional early warning signs include:
- Appetite loss.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Inability to pass gas.
- Low-grade fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Why is it important to know the early warning signs for appendicitis?
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An inflamed appendix can burst and spread bacteria throughout your body. This can trigger a serious, potentially life-threatening infection (peritonitis). Recognize the early signs of appendicitis so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Who performs an appendicitis test?
Different healthcare providers perform different tests to rule out appendicitis. For example, a:
- Medical doctor may take your history and perform a physical exam.
- Nurse or phlebotomist draws blood for a blood test.
- A radiology technician may perform your ultrasound or CT scan.
How do you check for appendicitis at home?
Aside from paying attention to your symptoms, you can check to see if you experience sharp abdominal pain when you:
- Lie on your left side and extend your right hip.
- Flex your right hip and knee and rotate your right hip.
If you still feel persistent and worsening pain, or if you’re unsure, contact your provider. Appendicitis can become a serious condition that can cause severe complications if it’s not promptly treated.
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